GULF SHORES, Alabama -- This week we take readers on a secret tour of the Alabama Gulf Coast with a new series we're calling: Secret Beach. Each week I'll visit some of the lesser known gems in and around Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and just over the state line in Perdido Key, Fla. We'll go off the beaten path to unearth secret places to dine, shop, sight-see, hike and explore. And yeah, we'll find some secret beaches, too.

In the spirit of the Halloween season, the first installment of the series takes place at a cemetery. About eight miles down Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores behind the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department is Shell Banks Cemetery, a small graveyard surrounded by live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. This gem on the way to historic Fort Morgan is tucked behind Shell Banks Baptist Church. Here, visitors will discover names like Plash, Calloway, and Wallace, the names of some of the oldest families in Pleasure Island. There are about 270 visible headstones remaining (the parcel of land has seen vandalism and theft over the years) but the most interesting tombstones are those of soldiers from the Civil War. There are reportedly five Confederate soldiers buried at the site, but only three are visible, the earliest being 1864 with the latest being 1901.

The cemetery has come to be known to some locals over the years as Persimmon Swamp Cemetery or Old Spanish Cemetery. The historical marker in front of the church claims that in 1539 the Indian village of "Achuse" was visited by an expedition from the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto. Locals claim the cemetery holds pirates, Native Americans and others. While that remains to be seen, we do know Civil War soldiers are buried there. It's worth the time to read the historical marker to get a full understanding of this gem along Fort Morgan Road. If you're lucky enough to encounter a local, visitors will hear some fascinating tales about Shell Banks Cemetery.

Now, Shell Banks isn't the only reason to head along Fort Morgan. Not as traveled as much as Gulf Shores Parkway, Fort Morgan offers many things to do, especially on Sunday afternoon autumn drive. But you want to check out Shell Banks Cemetery for sure.